Piperidine derivatives and their use as modulators of chemokine receptor activity (especially CCR5)

ABSTRACT

Compounds of formula (I): wherein L is CH or N; M is CH or N; provided that L and M are not both CH; compositions comprising them, processes for preparing them and their use in medical therapy (for example modulating CCR5 receptor activity in a warm blooded animal)

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT International Application No. PCT/SE02/02055, filed Nov. 12, 2002, which claims priority to SE 0103818-1, filed Nov. 15, 2001. These applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The present invention relates to heterocyclic derivatives having pharmaceutical activity, to processes for preparing such derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives and to the use of such derivatives as active therapeutic agents.

Pharmaceutically active piperidine derivatives are disclosed in PCT/SE01/01053, EP-A1-1013276, WO00/08013, WO99/38514 and WO99/04794.

Chemokines are chemotactic cytokines that are released by a wide variety of cells to attract macrophages, T cells, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils to sites of inflammation and also play a role in the maturation of cells of the immune system. Chemokines play an important role in immune and inflammatory responses in various diseases and disorders, including asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. These small secreted molecules are a growing superfamily of 8–14 kDa proteins characterised by a conserved four cysteine motif. The chemokine superfamily can be divided into two main groups exhibiting characteristic structural motifs, the Cys-X-Cys (C—X—C, or α) and Cys-Cys (C—C, or β) families. These are distinguished on the basis of a single amino acid insertion between the NH-proximal pair of cysteine residues and sequence similarity.

The C—X—C chemokines include several potent chemoattractants and activators of neutrophils such as interleukin-8 (IL8) and neutrophil-activating peptide 2 (NAP-2).

The C—C chemokines include potent chemoattractants of monocytes and lymphocytes but not neutrophils such as human monocyte chemotactic proteins 1–3 (MCP-1, MCP-2 and MCP-3), RANTES (Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed and Secreted), eotaxin and the macrophage inflammatory proteins 1α and 1β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β).

Studies have demonstrated that the actions of the chemokines are mediated by subfamilies of G protein-coupled receptors, among which are the receptors designated CCR1, CCR2, CCR2A, CCR2B, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCR10, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CXCR4. These receptors represent good targets for drug development since agents which modulate these receptors would be useful in the treatment of disorders and diseases such as those mentioned above.

The CCR5 receptor is expressed on T-lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia and other cell types. These detect and respond to several chemokines, principally “regulated on activation normal T-ell expressed and secreted” (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory proteins (MIP) MIP-1α and MP-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (MCP-2).

This results in the recruitment of cells of the immune system to sites of disease. In many diseases it is the cells expressing CCR5 which contribute, directly or indirectly, to tissue damage. Consequently, inhibiting the recruitment of these cells is beneficial in a wide range of diseases.

CCR5 is also a co-receptor for HIV-1 and other viruses, allowing these viruses to enter cells. Blocking the receptor with a CCR5 antagonist or inducing receptor intemalisation with a CCR5 agonist protects cells from viral infection.

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I):

-   -   wherein     -   L is CH or N; M is CH or N; provided that L and M are not both         CH;     -   R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl         {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄         alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂,         C₁₋₄ alylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or         heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄         alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH,         S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄         alkyl)}], phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl,         C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH,         S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄         alkyl)}, heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl,         C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂,         C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, S(O)₂R⁶,         S(O)₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) (such as         tert-butoxycarbonyl), C(O)₂(phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)) (such as         benzyloxycarbonyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be         NHS(O)₂R⁶, NHS(O)₂NHR⁷, NHC(O)R⁷ or NHC(O)NHR⁷;     -   R² is phenyl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally         substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄         alkyl), nitro, cyano or CF₃;     -   R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl;     -   R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, allyl or cyclopropyl;     -   R⁵ is phenyl, heteroaryl, phenylNH, heteroarylNH,         phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH         or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl         rings of R⁵ are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro,         hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄         alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄         alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂,         CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃;     -   k, m and n are, independently, 0, 1 or 2;     -   R⁶ is C₁₋₆alkyl [optionally substituted by halo (such as         fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenyl {which itself optionally         substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃,         OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄         alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself         optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano,         nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio,         S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl,         pyranyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl,         C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃(C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH,         S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}         or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄         alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄         alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)};     -   R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by halo (such         as fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenyl {which itself optionally         substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃,         OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄         alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself         optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano,         nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio,         S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl,         pyranyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl,         C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃OCF₃(C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂,         C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or         heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄         alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄         alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)};     -   R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or         together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5-         or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄         alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl);     -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or may         join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally         substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl (wherein the phenyl ring         is optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄         alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(m)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NH₂, S(O)₂NH(C₁₋₄         alkyl), S(O)₂N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄         alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃);     -   or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate         thereof;     -   provided that when R¹ is hydrogen or unsubstituted alkyl, R⁴ is         hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, L is CH and M is N, then the phenyl         or heteroaryl part of R⁵ is substituted by one of: S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄         alkyl, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃,         and optionally further substituted by one or more of halo,         cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄         alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl),         CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃.

Certain compounds of the present invention can exist in different isomeric forms (such as enantiomers, diastereomers, geometric isomers or tautomers). The present invention covers all such isomers and mixtures thereof in all proportions.

Suitable salts include acid addition salts such as a hydrochloride, hydrobromide, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, tartrate, citrate, oxalate, methanesulphonate or p-toluenesulphonate.

The compounds of the invention may exist as solvates (such as hydrates) and the present invention covers all such solvates.

Alkyl groups and moieties are straight or branched chain and are, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl or tert-butyl. Methyl is sometimes abbreviated to Me hereinbelow.

Fluoroalkyl includes, for example, one to six, such as one to three, fluorine atoms, and comprises, for example, a CF₃ group. Fluoroalkyl is, for example, CF₃ or CH₂CF₃.

Cycloalkyl is, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl.

Phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)alkyl is, for example, benzyl, 1-(phenyl)eth-1-yl or 1-(phenyl)eth-2-yl.

Heteroaryl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)alkyl is, for example, pyridinylmethyl, pyrimidinylmethyl or 1-(pyridinyl)eth-2-yl.

Phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH is, for example, benzylamino. Heteroaryl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH is, for example, pyridinylCH₂NH, pyrimidinylCH₂NH or pyridinylCH(CH₃)NH

Heteroaryl is an aromatic 5 or 6 membered ring, optionally fused to one or more other rings, comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group comprising nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur; or an N-oxide thereof, or an S-oxide or S-dioxide thereof. Heteroaryl is, for example, furyl, thienyl (also known as thiophenyl), pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, [1,2,4]-triazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, benzo[b]furyl (also known as benzfuryl), benz[b]thienyl (also known as benzthienyl or benzthiophenyl), indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benztriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzthiazolyl, 1,2,3-benzothiadiazolyl, an imidazopyridinyl (such as imidazo[1,2a]pyridinyl), thieno[3,2-b]pyridin-6-yl, 1,2,3-bernzoxadiazolyl (also known as benzo[1,2,3]thiadiazolyl), 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl, benzofurazan (also known as 2,1,3-benzoxadiazolyl), quinoxalinyl, a pyrazolopyridine (for example 1H-pyrazolo[3,4b]pyridinyl), quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, a naphthyridinyl (for example [1,6]naphthyridinyl or [1,8]naphthyridinyl), a benzothiazinyl or dibenzothiophenyl (also known as dibenzothienyl); or an N-oxide thereof, or an S-oxide or S-dioxide thereof. Heteroaryl can also be pyrazinyl. Heteroaryl is, for example, pyridinyl, pyrinidinyl, indolyl or benzimidazolyl.

In one particular aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (I) wherein L is CH or N; M is CH or N; provided that L and M are not both CH; R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃C₁₋₄alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, S(O)₂R⁶, S(O)₂NHR⁷, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶, NHS(O)₂NHR⁷, NHC(O)R⁷ or NHC(O)NHR⁷; R² is phenyl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted in the ortho or meta position by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), nitro, cyano or CF₃; R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R⁴ is hydrogen; methyl, ethyl, allyl or cyclopropyl; R⁵ is phenyl, heteroaryl, phenylNH, heteroarylNH, phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl rings of R⁵ are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl); k and n are, independently, 0, 1 or 2; R⁶ is C₁₋₅ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof; provided that when R¹ is hydrogen or unsubstituted alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, L is CH and M is N, then the phenyl or heteroaryl part of R⁵ is substituted by one of: S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃, and optionally further substituted by one or more of halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH2, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of the invention wherein when L and M are both N, and R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl (the phenyl being substituted with 0, 1 or 2 substituents selected from the list consisting of: fluoro, chloro, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH and S(O)₂NH₂); then the phenyl or heteroaryl moiety of R⁵ carries a S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) substituent, and, optionally, one or more further substituents.

In a further aspect of the invention heteroaryl is pyrrolyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl or quinolinyl.

In another aspect M is N and L is CH or N.

In yet another aspect L and M are both N.

In a further aspect L is CH and M is N.

In a still further aspect L is N and M is CH.

In another aspect of the invention R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], S(O)₂R⁶, S(O)₂NHR⁷, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶, NHS(O)₂NHR⁷, NHC(O)R⁷ or NHC(O)NHR⁷; R⁶ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}; and R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}.

In another aspect of the invention R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], S(O)₂R⁶, S(O)₂NHR⁷, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶, NHS(O)₂NHR⁷, NHC(O)R⁷ or NHC(O)NHR⁷; R⁶ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloallyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}; and R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}.

In a further aspect of the invention R¹ is S(O)₂R⁶, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶ or NHC(O)R⁷; and R⁶ and R⁷ are as defined above.

In another aspect of the invention R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], S(O)₂R⁶, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶or NHC(O)R⁷; R⁶ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}; and R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo}.

In a further aspect R¹ is phenyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl), C₁₋₄ alkoxy (for example methoxy), CF₃ or OCF₃), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃, S(O)₂CH₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH(CH₃)₂), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl) (for example S(O)₂CF₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CF₃), S(O)₂phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by halo (for example chloro), cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃, OCF₃, S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₂CF₃)), benzyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy (for example methoxy), CF₃ or OCF₃), benzoyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl), C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), C(O)NHphenyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), S(O)₂thiophenyl, CH₂pyridinyl, CH₂quinolinyl or CH₂thiazolyl.

In yet another aspect R¹ is phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by halo (for example fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy (for example methoxy)), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃, S(O)₂CH₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH(CH₃)₂), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl) (for example S(O)₂CF₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CF₃), S(O)₂phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by halo (for example chloro), cyano, CF₃, OCF₃, S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CH₂CH₃) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₂CF₃)), benzyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy (for example methoxy)), benzoyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro) or C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl)), C(O)NHphenyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example fluoro)), S(O)₂thiophenyl, CH₂pyridinyl, CH₂quinolinyl or CH₂thiazolyl.

In a further aspect R¹ is phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by halo (for example fluoro) or C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl)), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃, S(O)₂CH₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH(CH₃)₂), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl (for example S(O)₂CF₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CF₃), S(O)₂phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by CF₃, OCF₃ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃)), benzyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy (for example methoxy)), benzoyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro)), C(O)NHphenyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example fluoro)), CH₂pyridinyl, CH₂quinolinyl or CH₂thiazolyl.

In a still further aspect R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}], phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}, S(O)₂R⁶, S(O)₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, C(O)R⁷ or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHC(O)R⁷; R⁶ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro), phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)) or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}], phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro), C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, pyranyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)NH₂ or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH}; and, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In a further aspect R¹ is phenyl (optionally substituted(such as mono-substituted) by halo (for example fluoro) or C₁₋₄ alkyl (for example methyl)), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) (for example S(O)₂CH₃ or S(O)₂CH₂CH₃), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl) (for example S(O)₂CF₃), S(O)₂phenyl (optionally substituted (such as mono-substituted) by CF₃ or OCF₃), benzyl, benzoyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example chloro or fluoro)) or C(O)NHphenyl (optionally substituted by halo (for example fluoro)).

In yet another aspect of the invention R² is phenyl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted in the ortho or meta position by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), nitro, cyano or CF₃; wherein n is 0, 1 or 2, for example 0 or 2. (Ortho and meta positions are ortho and meta relative to the position of attachment of that ring to the structure of formula (I).)

In a still further aspect R² is optionally substituted phenyl (such as optionally substituted by halo (such as chloro or fluoro), cyano, methyl, ethyl, methoxy, ethoxy or CF₃). In one aspect the substitution is on the ortho or meta position of the phenyl ring.

In another aspect R² is optionally substituted phenyl (such as optionally substituted by halo or CF₃). For example R² is 3-fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl or 4-CF₃-phenyl. In a further aspect R² is phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4fluorophenyl, 3-chlorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl or 3,5-difluorophenyl. In another aspect R² is phenyl, 3-fluorophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3,4-difluorophenyl or 3,5-difluorophenyl. In a still further aspect of the invention R² is phenyl or 3-fluorophenyl.

In another aspect of the invention R³ is hydrogen or methyl. In a further aspect of the invention when R³ is C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as methyl) the carbon to which R³ is attached has the R absolute configuration. In yet another aspect of the invention R³ is hydrogen.

In a further aspect of the invention R⁴ is ethyl.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of the invention wherein R⁵ is phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH, phenyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl rings are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl); and k is 0, 1 or 2 (for example, 2).

In another aspect the invention provides a compound of the invention wherein R⁵ is phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl or phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH; wherein the phenyl rings of R⁵ are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl); and k is 0, 1 or 2.

In a still further aspect of the invention R⁵ is phenyl, heteroaryl, phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl rings are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; k is 0, 1 or 2; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl).

In another aspect R⁵ is phenyl or benzyl; wherein the aromatic rings are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH², NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; k is 0, 1 or 2; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl).

In a further aspect R⁵ is phenyl or benzyl; wherein the aromatic rings are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In another aspect R⁵ is NHCH₂phenyl wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In yet another aspect R⁵ is benzyl wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

In another aspect R⁵ is NHCH₂phenyl wherein the aromatic ring is optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro, chloro or bromo), cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as methyl), C₁₋₄ alkoxy (such as methoxy) or S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃).

In yet another aspect R⁵ is benzyl wherein the aromatic ring is optionally substituted by halo (such as fluoro, chloro or bromo), cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as methyl), C₁₋₄ alkoxy (such as methoxy) or S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃).

In a still further aspect R⁵ is phenyl or benzyl, wherein the aromatic ring is substituted (for example in the para-position) by S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl and the ring is optionally further substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl or C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

In another aspect R⁵ is NHCH₂phenyl or benzyl, wherein the aromatic ring is substituted (for example in the para-position) by S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃) and the ring is optionally further substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl or C₁₋₄ alkoxy.

In another aspect R⁵ is NHCH₂phenyl wherein the aromatic ring is substituted (for example in the para-position) by S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃), R⁵ is, for example NHCH₂(4-S(O)₂CH₃—C₆H₄).

In another aspect R⁵ is benzyl, wherein the aromatic ring is substituted (for example in the para-position) by S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃), R⁵ is, for example CH₂(4-S(O)₂CH₃—C₆H₄).

The carbon labelled ^ in the representation of formula (I) shown below, is always chiral.

When L is N the carbon labelled ^ has, for example, the S absolute configuration. When L is CH the carbon labelled ^ has, for example, the R absolute configuration.

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ia):

wherein L, M and R¹ are as defined above.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ib):

wherein L, M and R¹ are as defined above; and R is hydrogen, one or two fluorine atoms, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; and n is 0, 1 or 2 (for example, 2).

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ic):

wherein L, M and R¹ are as defined above; and R is hydrogen, one or two fluorine atoms, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; and n is 0, 1 or 2 (for example, 2).

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Id):

wherein L, M and R¹ are as defined above; R is hydrogen, one or two fluorine atoms, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or C₁₋₄ alkoxy; X is NHCH₂, NH or CH₂; n is 0, 1 or 2 (for example, 2); and R* is halo (such as fluoro, chloro or bromo), cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as methyl), C₁₋₄ alkoxy (such as methoxy) or S(O)₂C₁₋₄ alkyl (such as S(O)₂CH₃).

In another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ie):

wherein L, M and R¹ are as defined above.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (If):

wherein L, M, X and R¹ are as defined above.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula (Ig):

wherein R⁵ is as defined above.

The compounds listed in Tables I to VI illustrate the invention

TABLE I Table I comprises compounds of formula (Ib). (Ib)

Compound LCMS No. L M R R¹ (MH+) 1 N N H Formyl 555 2 N N H iso-butyryl 597 3 N N H Acetyl 569 4 N N H Benzoyl 631 5 N N H Ethyl 555 6 N N H Methyl 541 7 N N H Benzenesulfonyl 667 8 N CH H Benzyl 616 9 N CH H Acetyl 568 10 N CH H Benzylaminocarbonyl 659 11 N CH H Ethoxycarbonyl 598 12 N CH H Methyl 540 13 N CH H Phenylacetylamino 659 14 N CH H Acetylamino 583 15 N CH H Methanesulfonylamino 618 16 N CH H Benzenesulfonylamino 681 17 CH N H H 526 18 CH N H Benzyl 616 19 CH N H Phenylacetyl 644 20 CH N H iso-butyryl 596 21 CH N H Acetyl 568 22 CH N H Cyclohexylaminocarbonyl 651 23 CH N H tert-butyloxycarbonyl 626 24 CH N H 4-Chlorobenzoyl 664 25 CH N H Ethyl 554 26 CH N H Methyl 540 27 CH N H Ethanesulfonyl 618 28 CH N H Methanesulfonyl 604 29 N CH H Phenylureido 660 30 N CH H iso-propylaminocarbonyl 611 31 N CH H 4-Chlorophenylaminocarbonyl 679 32 N CH H 4-Fluorophenylaminocarbonyl 663 33 N CH H 4-Chlorobenzoylamino 679 34 N N H Phenylaminocarbonyl 546 35 N N H Propylaminocarbonyl 612 36 N N H Methanesulfonyl 605 37 N N H Ethanesulfonyl 619 38 N N H 1-Methylethanesulfonyl 633 39 N N H Phenylmethanesulfonyl 40 N N H Benzenesulfonyl (S-isomer) 41 CH N H Benzoyl 42 CH N H Benzenesulfonyl 43 CH N H iso-propylsulfonyl 44 CH N H Phenylaminocarbonyl 45 N N H phenyl 603 46 N N H 4-fluorophenyl 621 47 N N H 4-methoxyphenyl 633 48 N N H 2-chlorophenyl 637 49 N N H 4-chlorophenyl 637 50 N N H 3-chlorophenyl 637 51 N N H 2-fluorophenyl 637 52 N N H 4-methanesulphonylbenzoyl 709 53 N N H 2-methanesulphonylbenzensulphonyl 745 54 N N H 3-methanesulphonylbenzoyl 709 55 N N H 3-fluorophenyl 621 56 N N 3-fluoro phenyl 621 57 N N 3-fluoro 4-methanesuphonylphenyl 699 58 N N 3-fluoro benzenesulphonyl 685 59 N N 3-fluoro 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 763 60 N N 3-fluoro ethanesulphonyl 637 61 N N 3-fluoro methanesulphonyl 623 62 N N 3-fluoro 4-chlorophenyl 655 63 N N 3-fluoro 3-chlorophenyl 655 64 N N 3-fluoro 2-fluorophenyl 639 65 N N 3-fluoro 4-fluorophenyl 639 66 N N H 5-Bromopyrimidin-2-yl 683 67 N N 3-fluoro 3-fluorophenyl 639 68 CH N 3-fluoro pyridin-3-ylmethyl 635 69 CH N 3-fluoro pyridin-4-ylmethyl 635 70 CH N 3-fluoro quinolin-2-ylmethyl 685 71 CH N H pyridin-2-ylmethyl 617 72 CH N H pyridin-3-ylmethyl 617 73 CH N H pyridin-4-ylmethyl 617 74 CH N H quinolin-2-ylmethyl 667 75 CH N H quinolin-4-ylmethyl 667 76 CH N H 2-imidazolylmethyl 605 77 CH N H (1-methyl-2-imidazolyl)methyl 620 78 CH N H 2-pyrrolylmethyl 605 79 CH N H (1-methyl-2-pyrrolyl)methyl 619 80 CH N H 2-thiazolylmethyl 623 81 CH N H 4-chlorophenylmethyl 650 82 CH N H 3-chlorophenylmethyl 650 83 CH N H 2-chlorophenylmethyl 650 84 CH N H 4-fluorophenylmethyl 634 85 CH N H 4-methoxyphenylmethyl 646 86 CH N H Hydrogen 526 87 CH N H Hydrogen 543 88 CH N H methyl 540 89 CH N H acetyl 568 90 CH N H cyclohexylaminocarbonyl 651 91 CH N 3-fluoro methanesulphonyl 622 92 CH N 3-fluoro ethanesulphonyl 635 93 CH N 3-fluoro isopropylsulphonyl 650 94 CH N 3-fluoro benzenesulphonyl 684 95 CH N 3-fluoro 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 762 96 CH N 3-fluoro 4-chlorobenzoyl 682 97 CH N 3-fluoro 4-methoxyphenylmethylaminocarbonyl 707 98 CH N 3-fluoro cyclohexylaminocarbonyl 668 99 CH N 3-fluoro phenylaminocarbonyl 663 100 CH N 3-fluoro phenylmethylaminocarbonyl 677 101 CH N 3-fluoro (4-sulphonamidophenyl)methylcarbonyl 741 102 CH N 3-fluoro pyran-4-ylcarbonyl 656 103 CH N H 4-fluorobenzoyl 648 104 CH N H 3-fluorobenzoyl 648 105 CH N H 2-fluorobenzoyl 648 106 CH N H 2-chlorobenzoyl 664 107 CH N H 3-chlorobenzoyl 664 108 CH N H 2-methylbenzoyl 644 109 CH N H 3-methylbenzoyl 644 110 CH N H 4-methylbenzoyl 644 111 CH N H cyclopentylcarbonyl 622 112 CH N H propionyl 582 113 CH N H cyclopropylcarbonyl 594 114 CH N H pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl 632 115 CH N H 3-methanesulphonylbenzoyl 708 116 CH N H (2-methylthiazol-4-yl)carbonyl 651 117 CH N H methoxymethylcarbonyl 598 118 CH N H 2,2,2-trifluoroethylcarbonyl 636 119 CH N H 3-cyanophenylaminocarbonyl 670 120 CH N H 3-fluorophenylaminocarbonyl 663 121 CH N H 3-chlorophenylaminocarbonyl 679 122 CH N H 3-methoxyphenylaminocarbonyl 675 123 CH N H 2-methylphenylaminocarbonyl 659 124 CH N H pyran-4-ylcarbonyl 638 125 CH N H trifluoroacetyl 622 126 CH N H 4-chlorophenylaminocarbonyl 679 127 CH N H 4-fluorophenylaminocarbonyl 663 128 CH N H 4-methoxyphenylaminocarbonyl 675 129 CH N H 2,5-difluorophenylaminocarbonyl 681 130 CH N H 3,4-dichlorophenylaminocarbonyl 713 131 CH N H 2-methoxyphenylaminocarbonyl 675 132 CH N H 2-chlorophenylaminocarbonyl 279 133 CH N H trifluoromethanesulphonyl 658 134 N N H 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 745 135 N N H 4-cyanobenzenesulphonyl 692 136 N N H 2-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulphonyl 137 N N H 3-chlorobenzenesulphonyl 701 138 N N H 4-trifluoromethylbenzenesulphonyl 735 139 N N H 4-trifluoromethoxybenzenesulphonyl 140 N N H 4-chlorobenzenesulphonyl 701 141 N N H (3,5-dimethylisoxazolyl)sulphonyl 686 142 N N H 2-thienylsulphonyl 673 143 N N H (2-acetylamino-3-methyl)thiazol-5-ylsulphonyl 745 144 N N H 4-acetylaminobenzenesulphonyl 724 145 CH N 3-fluoro phenyl 620 146 CH N 3-fluoro 4-methoxyphenyl 650 147 CH N 3-fluoro 4-fluorophenyl 638 148 CH N H 3-chlorophenyl 654 149 CH N H 4-chlorophenyl 654 150 N N H 2-chlorobenzenesulphonyl 701 151 N N H 4-chlorobenzoyl 665 152 CH N H tert-butoxycarbonyl 626 153 CH N 3-fluoro tert-butoxycarbonyl 612 154 CH N H 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulphonyl 672 155 N N 4-fluoro methanesulphonyl 623 156 N N 4-fluoro 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 763.3 157 N N 3,4-difluoro methanesulphonyl 641.4 158 N N 3-chloro methanesulphonyl 639

TABLE II Table II comprises compounds of formula (Ic). (Ic)

LCMS Compound No. L M R Stereochem R¹ (MH+) 1 N N H R or S benzenesulphonyl 667 2 N N H S or R 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 745 3 N N H S or R 3-methylphenyl 617 4 N N H S orR 4-methylphenyl 617 5 N N H S or R 2-methylphenyl 617 6 N N H S or R 2-methoxyphenyl 633 7 N N H S or R 3-methoxyphenyl 633 8 N N H S or R 2,6-dimethylphenyl 631 9 N N H S or R 2-cyanophenyl 628 10 N N H S or R 2-nitrophenyl 648 11 N N H S or R 2-methylthiophenyl 649 12 N N H S or R 4-fluorophenyl 621 13 N N H S or R 2,6-dichlorophenyl 672 14 N N H S or R n-propanesulphonyl 633 15 N N H S or R 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulphonyl 673 16 N N 3-fluoro S or R 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 17 N N 3-fluoro R or S 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 18 CH N H R ethanesulphonyl 654 19 CH N H S ethanesulphonyl 654 20 CH N H R methanesulphonyl 604 21 CH N H S methanesulphonyl 604 22 CH N 3-fluoro R ethanesulphonyl 636 23 CH N 3-fluoro S ethanesulphonyl 636 24 CH N H R benzyloxycarbonyl 659 25 CH N H R phenylaminocarbonyl 26 CH N H R 4-chlorobenzoyl 27 CH N H R 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 28 CH N 3-fluoro R 4-chlorobenzoyl 29 CH N 3-fluoro S 4-chlorobenzoyl 30 CH N 3-fluoro R 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 31 CH N 3-fluoro S 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 32 CH N 3,5-difluoro R trifluoromethanesulphonyl 694 33 CH N H R 4-fluorobenzoyl 648 34 CH N H S 4-fluorobenzoyl 648 35 CH N H R hydrogen 526 36 CH N H R trifluoromethanesulphonyl 658 37 CH N H S trifluoromethanesulphonyl 658 38 CH N 2-methylthio R methanesulphonyl 650 39 CH N H R N,N-dimethylaminosulphonyl 633

TABLE III Table III comprises compounds of formula (Id). (Id)

Compound LCMS No. L M X R R* R¹ (MH+) 1 N N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl benzenesulphonyl 682 2 N N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl benzoyl 646 3 N N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl ethanesulphonyl 634 4 N N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl methanesulphonyl 620 5 N N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 4-chlorobenzoyl 680 6 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl benzenesulphonyl 681 7 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl ethanesulphonyl 633 8 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl hydrogen 541 9 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl methanesulphonyl 619 10 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 11 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl phenylmethylcarbonyl 659 12 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 4-chlorobenzoyl 679 13 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl cyclohexylaminocarbonyl 666 14 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 4-fluorophenylmethylaminocarbonyl 692 15 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 4-methanesulphonylbenzoyl 723 16 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl pyridin-2-ylmethylcarbonyl 660 17 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl pyridin-3-ylmethylcarbonyl 660 18 CH N NHCH₂ H hydrogen ethanesulphonyl 555 19 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methoxy ethanesulphonyl 585 20 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-fluoro ethanesulphonyl 573 21 CH N NHCH₂ H 3-methyl ethanesulphonyl 569 22 CH N NHCH₂ H 3-methoxy ethanesulphonyl 571 23 CH N NH H 3-chloro ethanesulphonyl 574 24 CH N NH H 2-methyl ethanesulphonyl 554 25 CH N NH H 4-bromo ethanesulphonyl 621 26 CH N NH H 3-cyano ethanesulphonyl 566 27 CH N NHCH₂ H hydrogen benzensulphonyl 603 28 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methoxy benzenesulphonyl 633 29 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-fluoro benzenesulphonyl 621 30 CH N NHCH₂ H 3-methyl benzenesulphonyl 616 31 CH N NH H 3-fluoro benzenesulphonyl 607 32 CH N NH H 3-methoxy benzenesulphonyl 619 33 CH N NH H 3-chloro benzenesulphonyl 623 34 CH N NH H 2-methyl benzenesulphonyl 603 35 CH N NH H 4-bromo benzenesulphonyl 669 36 CH N NH H 3-cyano benzenesulphonyl 614 37 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido tert-butyloxycarbonyl 645 38 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido hydrogen 545 39 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido 4-methanesulphonylbenzenesulphonyl 763 40 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido cyclohexylaminocarbonyl 670 41 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido methanesulphonyl 623 42 CH N CH₂ 3-fluoro 4-sulphonamido ethanesulphonyl 637 43 CH N NHCH₂ H 4-methanesulphonyl 1-methylethanesulphonyl 647

TABLE IV Table IV comprises compounds of formula (Ie). (Ie)

Compound No. L M Stereochem R¹ LCMS (MH+) 1 N N S or R benzenesulphonyl 682 2 N N S or R ethanesulphonyl 634 3 N N S or R methanesulphonyl 620 4 CH N R methanesulphonyl 650

TABLE V Table V comprises compounds of formula (If). (If)

Compound LCMS No. L M X R¹ (MH+) 1 N N CH₂ benzenesulphonyl 681 2 N N NHCH₂ benzenesulphonyl 696 3 N N NHCH₂ methanesulphonyl 634

TABLE VI Table VI comprises compounds of formula (Ig). (Ig)

LCMS Compound No R⁵ (MH⁺) 1 pyridin-2-ylCH₂ 589 2 pyridin-3-ylCH₂ 589 3 pyridin-4-ylCH₂ 589

In yet another aspect the invention provides each individual compound listed in the tables above.

The compounds of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) and (Ig) can be prepared as shown below (for example in Schemes 2 and 3, with Scheme 1 showing the preparation of an intermediate.) In Schemes 1 to 3: PG is a protecting Group; Ac is acetyl; Boc is tert-butoxycarbonyl; Bn is benzyl, Bz is benzoyl; DIBAL is diisobutylaluminium hydride; Et is ethyl; Ms is mesyl; and, TFA is trifluoroacetic acid.

A compound of the invention wherein L is N can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (II):

wherein R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined above, with a compound of formula (III):

wherein R¹ is as defined above, in the presence of sodium iodide rand a suitable base (for example a tri(C₁₋₆ alkyl)amine such as triethylamine or Hunig's base), in a suitable solvent (such as a chlorinated solvent, for example dichloromethane) and, for example, at a room temperature (for example 10–30° C.).

A compound of the invention wherein L is CH can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV):

wherein R², R³, R⁴ and R⁵ are as defined above, with, depending on the compound of the invention it is desired to make:

-   -   a) an acid of formula R¹CO₂H in the presence of a suitable         coupling agent (for example PyBrOP         [bromo-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate] or         HATU) in the presence of a suitable base (such as a tri(C₁₋₆         alkylamine, for example diisopropylethylamine) in a suitable         solvent (for example N-methylpyrrolidinone or a chlorinated         solvent, such as dichloromethane) at room temperature (for         example 10–30° C.);     -   b) an acid chloride of formula R¹C(O)Cl or sulphonyl chloride of         formula R¹S(O)₂Cl, in the presence of a suitable base (such as a         tri(C₁₋₆ alkyl)amine, for example triethylamine or         diisopropylethylamine) in a suitable solvent (for example a         chlorinated solvent, such as dichloromethane) at room         temperature (for example 10–30° C.); or,     -   c) an aldehyde of formula R¹CHO in the presence of NaBH(OAc)₃         (wherein Ac is C(O)CH₃) and acetic acid, in a suitable solvent         (such as a C₁₋₆ aliphatic alcohol, for example ethanol) at room         temperature (for example 10–30° C.).

Alternatively, a compound of the invention can be prepared by coupling a compound of formula (V):

wherein L, M, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are as defined above, with:

-   -   a) an acid of formula R⁵CO₂H in the presence of a suitable         coupling agent (for example PyBrOP or HATU) in the presence of a         suitable base (such as a tri(C₁₋₆ alkyl)amine, for example         diisopropylethylamine) in a suitable solvent (for example         N-methylpyrrolidinone or a chlorinated solvent, such as         dichloromethane) at room temperature (for example 10–30° C.);         or,     -   b) an acid chloride of formula R⁵C(O)Cl, in the presence of a         suitable base (such as a tri(C₁₋₆ alkyl)amine, for example         triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine) in a suitable solvent         (for example a chlorinated solvent, such as dichloromethane) at         room temperature (for example 10–30° C.).

The starting materials for these processes are either commercially available or can be prepared by literature methods, adapting literature methods or by following or adapting Methods herein described.

In a further aspect the invention provides an intermediate of formula (V).

In a still further aspect the invention provides processes for preparing the compounds of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) and (Ig). Many of the intermediates in the processes are novel and these are provided as further features of the invention.

The compounds of the invention have activity as pharmaceuticals, in particular as modulators (such as agonists, partial agonists, inverse agonists or antagonists) of chemokine receptor (especially CCR5) activity, and may be used in the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory, proliferative or hyperproliferative diseases, or immunologically-mediated diseases (including rejection of transplanted organs or tissues and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)).

The compounds of the present invention are also of value in inhibiting the entry of viruses (such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)) into target calls and, therefore, are of value in the prevention of infection by viruses (such as HIV), the treatment of infection by viruses (such as HIV) and the prevention and/or treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, for use in a method of treatment of a warm blooded animal (such as man) by therapy (including prophylaxis).

According to a further feature of the present invention there is provided a method for modulating chemokine receptor activity (especially CCR5 receptor activity) in a warm blooded animal, such as man, in need of such treatment, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof.

The present invention also provides the use of a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, as a medicament, especially a medicament for the treatment of transplant rejection, respiratory disease, psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis). [Respiratory disease is, for example, COPD, asthma {such as bronchial, allergic, intrinsic, extrinsic or dust asthma, particularly chronic or inveterate asthma (for example late asthma or airways hyper-responsiveness)} or rhinitis {acute, allergic, atrophic rhinitis or chronic rhinitis including rhinitis caseosa, hypertrophic rhinitis, rhinitis purulenta, rhinitis sicca or rhinitis medicamentosa; membranous rhinitis including croupous, fibrinous or pseudomembranous rhinitis or scrofoulous rhinitis; seasonal rhinitis including rhinitis nervosa (hay fever) or vasomotor rhinitis}; and is particularly asthma or rhinitis].

In another aspect the present invention provides the use of a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy (for example modulating chemokine receptor activity (especially CCR5 receptor activity (especially rheumatoid arthritis)) in a warm blooded animal, such as man).

The invention also provides a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, for use as a medicament, especially a medicament for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

In another aspect the present invention provides the use of a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy (for example modulating chemokine receptor activity (especially CCR5 receptor activity (especially rheumatoid arthritis)) in a warmblooded animal, such as man).

The invention further provides the use of a compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of:

-   -   (1) (the respiratory tract) obstructive diseases of airways         including: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (such as         irreversible COPD); asthma {.such as bronchial, allergic,         intrinsic, extrinsic or dust asthma, particularly chronic or         inveterate asthma (for example late asthma or airways         hyper-responsiveness)}; bronchitis {such as eosinophilic         bronchitis}; acute, allergic, atrophic rhinitis or chronic         rhinitis including rhinitis caseosa, hypertrophic rhinitis,         rhinitis purulenta, rhinitis sicca or rhinitis medicamentosa;         membranous rhinitis including croupous, fibrinous or         pseudomembranous rhinitis or scrofoulous rhinitis; seasonal         rhinitis including rhinitis nervosa (hay fever) or vasomotor         rhinitis; sarcoidosis; farmer's lung and related diseases; nasal         polyposis; fibroid lung or idiopathic interstitial pneumonia;     -   (2) (bone and joints) arthrides including rheumatic, infectious,         autoimmune, seronegative spondyloarthropathies (such as         ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or Reiter's         disease), Behcet's disease, Sjogren's syndrome or systemic         sclerosis;     -   (3) (skin and eyes) psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact         dermatitis or other eczmatous dermitides, seborrhoetic         dermatitis, Lichen planus, Phemphigus, bullous Phemphigus,         Epidermolysis bullosa, urticaria, angiodermas, vasculitides         erythemas, cutaneous eosinophilias, uveitis, Alopecia areata or         vernal conjunctivitis;     -   (4) (gastrointestinal tract) Coeliac disease, proctitis,         eosinophilic gastro-enteritis, mastocytosis, Crohn's disease,         ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease or food-related         allergies which have effects remote from the gut (for example         migraine, rhinitis or eczema);     -   (5) (Allograft rejection) acute and chronic following, for         example, transplantation of kidney, heart, liver, lung, bone         marrow, skin or cornea; or chronic graft versus host disease;         and/or     -   (6) (other tissues or diseases) Alzheimer's disease, multiple         sclerosis, atherosclerosis, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome         (AIDS), Lupus disorders (such as lupus erythematosus or systemic         lupus), erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, myasthenia         gravis, type I diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, eosinophilia         fascitis, hyper IgE syndrome, leprosy (such as lepromatous         leprosy), Peridontal disease, Sezary syndrome, idiopathic         thrombocytopenia pupura or disorders of the menstrual cycle;         in a warm blooded animal, such as man.

The present invention further provides a method of treating a chemokine mediated disease state (especially a CCR5 mediated disease state) in a warm blooded animal, such as man, which comprises administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or solvate thereof.

In order to use a compound of the invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or solvate thereof, for the therapeutic treatment of a warm blooded animal, such as man, in particular modulating chemokine receptor (for example CCR5 receptor) activity, said ingredient is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Therefore in another aspect the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of the formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If) or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof (active ingredient), and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of said composition which comprises mixing active ingredient with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier. Depending on the mode of administration, the pharmaceutical composition will preferably comprise from 0.05 to 99% w (per cent by weight), more preferably from 0.05 to 80% w, still more preferably from 0.10 to 70% w, and even more preferably from 0.10 to 50% w, of active ingredient, all percentages by weight being based on total composition.

The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention may be administered in standard manner for the disease condition that it is desired to treat, for example by topical (such as to the lung and/or airways or to the skin), oral, rectal or parenteral administration. For these purposes the compounds of this invention may be formulated by means known in the art into the form of, for example, aerosols, dry powder formulations, tablets, capsules, syrups, powders, granules, aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions, (lipid) emulsions, dispersible powders, suppositories, ointments, creams, drops and sterile injectable aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions.

A suitable pharmaceutical composition of this invention is one suitable for oral administration in unit dosage form, for example a tablet or capsule which contains between 0.1 mg and 1 g of active ingredient.

In another aspect a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is one suitable for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.

Each patient may receive, for example, an intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular dose of 0.01 mgkg⁻¹ to 100 mgkg⁻¹ of the compound, preferably in the range of 0.1 mgkg⁻¹ to 20 mgkg⁻¹ of this invention, the composition being administered 1 to 4 times per day. The intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular dose may be given by means of a bolus injection. Alternatively the intravenous dose may be given by continuous infusion over a period of time. Alternatively each patient will receive a daily oral dose which is approximately equivalent to the daily parenteral dose, the composition being administered 1 to 4 times per day.

The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the compound of formula (I), (Ia), (Ib), (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If or (Ig) (such as (I) or (Ia)), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvent thereof (hereafter Compound X), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans:

(a) Tablet I mg/tablet Compound X 100 Lactose Ph.Eur. 179 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6 Magnesium stearate 3.0

(b) Tablet II mg/tablet Compound X 50 Lactose Ph.Eur. 229 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 6 Magnesium stearate 3.0

(c) Tablet III mg/tablet Compound X 1.0 Lactose Ph.Eur. 92 Croscarmellose sodium 4.0 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 2.0 Magnesium stearate 1.0

(d) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X 10 Lactose Ph.Eur. 389 Croscarmellose sodium 100 Magnesium stearate 1.0

(e) Injection I (50 mg/ml) Compound X 5.0% w/v Isotonic aqueous solution to 100%

Buffers, pharmaceutically-acceptable cosolvents such as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerol or ethanol or complexing agents such as hydroxy-propyl β-cyclodextrin may be used to aid formulation.

The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets (a)–(c) may be enteric coated by conventional means, for example to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples in which, unless stated otherwise:

-   (i) temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (° C.); operations     were carried out at room or ambient temperature, that is, at a     temperature in the range of 18–25° C.; -   (ii) organic solutions were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate;     evaporation of solvent was carried out using a rotary evaporator     under reduced pressure (600–4000 Pascals; 4.5–30 mm Hg) with a bath     temperature of up to 60° C.; -   (iii) chromatography unless otherwise stated means flash     chromatography on silica gel; thin layer chromatography (TLC) was     carried out on silica gel plates; where a “Bond Elut” column is     referred to, this means a column containing 10 g or 20 g of silica     of 40 micron particle size, the silica being contained in a 60 ml     disposable syringe and supported by a porous disc, obtained from     Varian, Harbor City, Calif., USA under the name “Mega Bond Elut SI”.     Where an “Isolute™ SCX column” is referred to, this means a column     containing benzenesulphonic acid (non-endcapped) obtained from     International Sorbent Technology Ltd., 1st House, Duffryn Industial     Estate, Ystrad Mynach, Hengoed, Mid Glamorgan, UK. Where “Argonaut™     PS-tris-amine scavenger resin” is referred to, this means a     tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine polystyrene resin obtained from Argonaut     Technologies Inc., 887 Industrial Road, Suite G, San Carlos, Calif.,     USA. -   (iv) in general, the course of reactions was followed by TLC and     reaction times are given for illustration only; -   (v) yields, when given, are for illustration only and are not     necessarily those which can be obtained by diligent process     development; preparations were repeated if more material was     required; -   (vi) when given, ¹H NMR data is quoted and is in the form of delta     values for major diagnostic protons, given in parts per million     (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard,     determined at 300 MHz using perdeuterio DMSO (CD₃SOCD₃) as the     solvent unless otherwise stated; coupling constants (J) are given in     Hz; -   (vii) chemical symbols have their usual meanings; SI units and     symbols are used; -   (viii) solvent ratios are given in percentage by volume; -   (ix) mass spectra (MS) were run with an electron energy of 70     electron volts in the chemical ionisation (APCI) mode using a direct     exposure probe; where indicated ionisation was effected by     electrospray (ES); where values for m/z are given, generally only     ions which indicate the parent mass are reported, and unless     otherwise stated the mass ion quoted is the positive mass     ion—(M+H)⁺; -   (x) LCMS characterisation was performed using a pair of Gilson 306     pumps with Gilson 233 XL sampler and Waters ZMD4000 mass     spectrometer. The LC comprised water symmetry 4.6×50column C18 with     5 micron particle size. The eluents were: A, water with 0.05% formic     acid and B, acetonitrile with 0.05% formic acid. The eluent gradient     went from 95% A to 95% B in 6 minutes. Where indicated ionisation     was effected by electrospray (ES); where values for m/z are given,     generally only ions which indicate the parent mass are reported, and     unless otherwise stated the mass ion quoted is the positive mass     ion—(M+H)⁺ and -   (xi) the following abbreviations are used:

DMSO dimethyl sulfoxide; DMF N-dimethylformamide; DCM dichloromethane; THF tetrahydrofuran; DIPEA N,N-diisopropylethylamine; NMP N-methylpyrrolidinone; HATU O-(7-Azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate; HBTU O-(7-Benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate; Boc tert-butoxycarbonyl MeOH methanol; EtOH ethanol; and EtOAc ethyl acetate.

EXAMPLE 1

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[4-methylpiperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 6 of Table I).

To a solution of 1-methylpiperazine (42 μL, 0.38 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added triethylamine (0.1 mL, 0.72 mmol) then N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-chloropropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Method A; 180 mg, 0.38 mmol) and sodium iodide (50 mg). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h then washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by eluting through a 20 g Bond Elut with 10% methanol in ethyl acetate then methanol then 1% triethylanine in methanol to give the title compound (58mg); NMR : 1.2 (t, 1H), 1.3 (t, 2H), 1.4 (m, 1H), 1.6 (m, 2H), 1.8 (m, 4H), 1.9 (m,2 H), 2.1 (m, 2H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 2.4 (m, 8H), 2.9 (m, 2H), 3.0 (s, 3H), 3.3 (m, 2H), 3.8 (s, 2H), 7.2 (m, 2H), 7.4 (m, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H); MS: 541.

The procedure described in Example 1 can be repeated using different secondary amines (such as 4-formylpiperazine, 4-isobutyrylpiperazine or 4-benzylpiperidine) in place of 1-methylpiperazine.

EXAMPLE 2

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 17 of Table I).

N-[1-(3-Phenyl-3-[1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Example 3, 4 g) was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (25 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was evaporated and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The resulting material was stirred with 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (25 mL) and the resulting mixture extracted with DCM (8×25 mL). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to give the tide compound (2.5 g); MS: 526.

EXAMPLE 3

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[1-tert-butylcarbonyloxy-piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-Nethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 23 of Table I).

To a solution of 3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)propionaldehyde (Method C; 14.4 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was added N-(4-piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Method B; 4.6 g, 14.4 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (3.05 g, 14.4 mmol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was washed with 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×25 mL), dried and eluted through a 50 g SCX cartridge with DCM (3×25 mL), ethyl acetate (4×25 mL), methanol (4×25 mL) and finally 1M ammonia in methanol (4×50 mL) to yield crude product which was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: ethyl acetate then 10% methanol in. ethyl acetate) to yield the title compound (4.2 g); MS: 626.

EXAMPLE 4

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[1-methylpiperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 26 of Table I).

To a mixture of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Example 2, 250 mg, 4.76 mmol) and formaldehyde (0.2 mL, 37% aqueous) in DCM (10 mL) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (9.52 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The mixture was washed with 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (10 mL) and eluted through a 10 g SCX cartridge with DCM (2×10 mL), methanol (2×10 mL) and finally 1M ammonia in methanol (4×10 mL) affording the title compound (172 mg); MS: 540.

The procedure described in Example 4 can be repeated using different aldehydes (such as acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde) in place of formaldehyde.

EXAMPLE 5

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[1-acetylpiperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 21 of Table I).

To a mixture of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Example 2, 250 mg, 4.76 mmol) and triethylamine (48 mg, 4.76 mmol) in DCM was added acetyl chloride (37 mg, 4.76 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h, washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution (10 mL), dried and eluted through a 10 g SCX cartridge with DCM (2×10 mL), methanol (4×10 mL) and finally 1M ammonia in methanol (4×10 mL) affording the title compound (180 mg); MS: 568.

The procedure described in Example 5 can be repeated using different acid chlorides (such as phenylacetyl chloride and 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride) or sulfonyl chlorides (such as methane sulfonyl chloride) in place of acetyl chloride.

EXAMPLE 6

This Example illustrates the preparation of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[1-cyclohexylamino-carbonylpiperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidinyl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Compound No. 22 of Table I).

To a mixture of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Example 2, 250 mg, 4.76 mmol) and DCM (10 mL) was added cyclohexyl isocyanate (59 mg, 4.6 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The mixture was eluted through a 10 g SCX cartridge with DCM (4×10 mL), methanol (2×10 mL) and finally 1M ammonia in methanol (4×10 mL) affording the title compound (300 mg); MS: 651.

EXAMPLE 7

N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[4-(2-chlorophenylsulphonyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound Number 150 of Table 1)

2-Chlorophenylsulphonyl chloride (40.1 mg) was added to a solution of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N yl-4-methanesulphonylphenyl-acetamide (100 mg) and triethylamine (53 μl) in dichloromethane (5 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was washed with water, brine and dried. The solvent was removed and the residue was chromatographed on a 10g silica Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate-20% methanol/ethylacetate) to give the tide compound, yield 90 mg. MH⁺ 701.

The N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[piperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound 86 of Table 1) used as starting material was prepared following the method described in Example 2 using the appropriate (1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-piperazine analogue.

The N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[-tert-butyloxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound 152 of Table 1)used as starting material was prepared following the method described-in example 1 using (1-tert-butyloxycarbonyl)piperazine as the amine component

EXAMPLE 8

(R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-[(4-{2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulphonyl-piperazinyl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethylmethanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound Number 15 of Table 2)

Triethylamine (50 μl) was added to a solution of (R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-piperazinyl}propyl)-piperidinyl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (175 mg) in dichloromethane (5 ml ) followed by 2,2,2-trifluoroethanesulphonyl chloride (37 μl) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 14 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with water and dried. The residue obtained on removal of the solvent was chromatographed on a 20 g silica Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate−40% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound as a white foam, yield 79 mg, MH⁺ 673. NMR (CDCl₃): 1.2 (t, 1H), 1.3 (t, 2H), 1.4 (m, 1H), 1.6–1.8 (m,8H), 2.1 (m,2H), 2.25 (m, 1H), 2.5 (m, 4H), 2.9 (m, 2H), 3.0 (s, 3H), 3.3 (m, 5H), 3.4 (m, 1H), 3.6 (q, 2H), 3.8 (m, 2H), 7.2 (m, 2H), 7.3 (m, 3H), 7.4 (m, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H).

EXAMPLE 9 (R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-(Boc-piperazinyl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

(R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-chloropropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (594 mg) was added to a solution of triethylamine (0.35 ml) and Boc-piperazine (233 mg) in dichloromethane (10 ml) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 14 hours. The reaction mixture was added to a 20 g silica Bond-Elut column and was eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate−40% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound as a foam, yield 440 mg, MH⁺ 627.

(R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-chloropropyl)-piperidin-4-yl-4]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

Methanesulphonyl chloride (0.5 ml) was added to a stirred mixture of S N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (2.7 g) and triethylamine (1.64 ml) in dichloromethane (50 ml) at 0° C. and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with water and dried. Removal of the solvent gave the title compound as an orange foam, yield 2.4 g, MH⁺ 477.

(S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

(S) 1-Phenyl-3-(4toluenesulphonyloxy)propan-1-ol (5 g) was added to a mixture of N-(piperidin-4-yl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (5.3 g) and potassium carbonate (2.71 g) in DMF (100 ml) and the mixture was stirred and heated at 80–90 ° C. for 6 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was evaporated to dryness. The residue obtained was dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml) and was washed with water and dried. The solvent was removed and the residue was passed down a 90 g silica Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate−20% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound, yield 2.7 g, MH⁺ 459. NMR (CDCl₃): 1.2 (t, 1H), 1.3 (t,2H), 1.6 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 3H), 1.85 (m, 3H), 2.2 (m, 1H), 2.55–2.7 (m, 2H), 3.0 (s, 3H), 3.1–3.2 (m, 2H), 3.3(q, 2H), 3.8(m, 2H), 4.9 (m, 1H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H).

(S) 1-Phenyl-3-(4-toluenesulphonyloxy)propan-1-ol is a known compound (CAS No 156453-52-0) EXAMPLE 10 (R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-piperazinyl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

Trifluoroacetic acid (5 ml) was added to a solution of (R or S) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3 (Boc-piperazinyl}propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (440 mg) in dichloromethane (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide and extracted twice with dichloromethane (10 ml each time). The combined extracts were dried and evaporated to give the title compound as a foam, yield 370 mg, MH⁺ 527.

EXAMPLE 11

(R) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-{1-(4chlorobenzoylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound number 26 of Table 2)

To a mixture of (R) N-[1-3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (330 mg) and MP carbonate resin (670 mg of 2.8 mg material) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride (111 mg) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and MP 4-toluenesulphonic acid resin (1 g) was added to the filtrate and stirred for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was filtered and the resin was washed successively with dichloromethane (4×10 ml), 1M MeOH/NH₃ (3×10 ml). The combined washings were evaporated to dryness and the residue was passed through a silica Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate-20% methanol in ethyl acetate) to give the tide compound, yield 121 mg. NMR (DMSOd6): 0.8–2.2 (m, 6H) 1.2–1.5 (m, 4H) 1.5–2.1 (m, 13H) 2.4 (m, 1H) 2.7 (m, 3H) 3.3 (m, 4H) 3.8 (d, 2H) 7–7.5 (m, 11H) 7.8 (d, 2H). Analytical HPLC on a Chiralcel OJ column (250 mm×4.6 mm) eluted with methanol showed that the chiral purity was >99%.

(R) N-[1-3-phenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound number 35 of Table 2)

A solution of (R) N-[1–3-phenyl-3-{1-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethylmethanesulphonylphenylacetamide (1.5 g) in ethanol (100 ml) containing 20% Palladium/carbon catalyst (200 mg) was hydrogenated under a hydrogen-filled balloon. The catalyst was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give the tide compound, yield 1.1 g. MS (MH⁺) 526.

(R) N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-{1-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidinyl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound Number 24 of Table 2)

Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (890 mg) was added to a solution of (R) 3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propionaldehyde (1.49 g) and N-(4-piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (1.4 g) in dichloromethane (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was washed with 2M NaOH (2×50 ml) and dried. The solvent was removed and the residue was passed down a silica Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate−20% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound, yield 1.5 g. MS (MH⁺) 660.

(R) 3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propionaldehyde

Dess-Martin periodinane (1,1,1-triacetoxy-1,1-dihydro-1,2-benziodoxol-3(1H)-one) (1.8 g) was added to a solution of (R) 3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propanol in dichloromethane (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour, washed with 2M NaOH (2×20 ml) and dried. The dichloromethane solution containing the title compound was used directly in the next stage.

(R) 3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propanol

Lithium aluminium hydride (9.46 ml of 1M LAH in THF) was added dropwise to a solution of (R) 3-[3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propionyl]-(4R,5S)-1,5-dimethylphenyl-2-imidazolidinone (5.1 g) in THE (100 ml) at such a rate that the temperature did not exceed 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at −5° C. for 10 minutes and 2M NaOH was added (10 ml). The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (20 ml) and dried. The residue obtained on removal of the solvent was passed through a Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (isohexane—60% ethyl acetate/isohexane).to give the title compound, yield 1.6 g. MS (MH⁺) 354.

3-[(R) 3-phenyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propionyl]-(4R,5S)-1,5-dimethyl-4-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone

TMEDA (2.4 g) was added to a suspension of cuprous iodide (4.02 g) in TEF (100 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was cooled to −78° C. and phenylmagnesium bromide (11.69 ml of a 1M solution in THF) was added and the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 30 minutes. Dibutylboron triflate (11.69 ml, 1M solution in diethyl ether) was added to a solution of 3-[3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)acryloyl]-4R,5S)-1,5-dimethyl-4-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone (4.9 g) in THF (50 ml) and this mixture was added dropwise over 10 minutes to the solution of the cuprate reagent. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for 1 hour then allowed to warm to ambient temperature. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and filtered through silica (100 g). The ethyl acetate solution was washed with 2M HCl (1×100 ml), dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was passed down a Bond-Elut column eluted with a mixture of ethyl acetate and isohexane (1:1) to give the title compound as a single diastereoisomer by NMR. Yield 5.1 g. NMR (DMSOd6): 0.5 (d, 3H) 0.8–1.1 (m.2H) 1.3 (d, 1H) 1.7 (m, 2H) 2.6 (m, 5H) 2.85–3.1 (m, 4H) 5.05 (s, 2H) 5.2 (d, 1H) 6.8 (m, 2H) 7.1–7.5 (m, 13H)

3-[3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)acryloyl]-(4R,5S)-1,5 dimethyl-4-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone

1-Chloro-N,N,2-trimethyl-1-propenylamine (1.37 g) was added dropwise over 10 minutes to a solution of 3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propenoic acid (2.5 g) in THF (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours. Lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (8.65 ml)was added to a solution of (4R,5S)-1,5dimethyl4-phenyl-2-imidazolidinone (1.64 g) in THF (20 ml) at −10° C. and the mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 10 minutes, allowed to warm to 0° C. and then cooled again to −10° C. The acid chloride solution (prepared above) was added dropwise and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml). The combined extracts were dried, evaporated to dryness and the residue was chromatographed on a Bond-Elut column eluted with an ethyl acetate/isohexane mixture (1:1) to give the title compound, yield 3.6 g. NMR (DMSOd6): 0.6 (d, 3H) 0.95 (d, 1H) 1.2 (m, 2H) 1.55 (m, 2H) 2.4 (m, 1H) 2.3 (s, 3H) 2.8 (m, 2H) 3.95 (m, 3H) 5 (s, 2H) 5.3 (d, 1H) 6.9 (m, 1H) 7.1 (m, 2H) 7.2–7.4 (m, 8H).

3-(benzyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propenoic acid

A mixture of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-4-formylpiperidine (10 g), malonic acid (4.2), pyridine (4 ml) and piperidine (0.4 ml) was heated at 100° C. for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The solution was washed with 2M HCl (2×100 ml), dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated with isohexane to give the title compound, yield 13.5 g. NMR (DMSOd6): 1.2 (m, 2H) 1.7 (m, 2H) 2.35 (m, 1H) 2.85 (m, 2H) 4 (d, 2H) 5.05 (s, 2H) 5.75 (d, 1H) 6.75 (m, 1H) 7.35 (m, 5H) 12.25 (broad peak, 1H)

EXAMPLE 12

N-[1-3-[(3-fluorophenyl)-3-[1-phenylpiperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidinyl-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (Compound number 145 of Table 1)

2M NaOH was added to a suspension of N-[1-[3-(3-fluorophenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl4methanesulphonylphenylacetamide di-hydrochloride salt (0.85 g) in dichloromethane (25 ml) and the mixture was stirred until a clear solution was obtained. The dichloromethane solution was dried and filtered. To this dichloromethane solution was added benzeneboronic acid (330 mg), triethylamine (280 mg) and cupric acetate (276 mg). The reaction mixture was stirred for 15 hours, washed with water and filtered through a Chem Elute cartridge. The dichloromethane filtrate was washed with 2M NaOH (3×20 ml), dried and poured on to a 20 g SCX cartridge and eluted with methanol (6×20 ml) and 1M ammonia in methanol (6×20 ml). The combined ammonia washings were evaporated and the residue obtained was chromatographed on a Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate-20% methanol/ethyl acetate to give the title compound, yield 179 mg.

The N-[1-3(3-fluorophenyl-3-[piperidin-4-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl methanesulphonylphenylacetamide di-hydrochloride salt (Compound number 87 of Table 1) used as starting material was prepared following the procedures of Example 3 and Method C.

EXAMPLE 13

Racemic N-[1-(3-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-[4-(4-methanesulphonyl)phenylsulphonyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (78 mg) (Compound number 59 of Table 1) was separated into its single enantiomers by chromatography on a Gilson preparative HPLC using a 50 mm 20 μm Chiracel OD column eluted with a mixture of ethanol:isohexane (9:1). Less polar isomer, yield 20 mg (Compound number 16 of Table 2) More polar isomer, yield 22 mg (Compound number 17 of Table 2)

EXAMPLE 14

N1-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-(ethanesulphonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-N1-ethyl-N3-4-methanesulphonylphenylmethyl urea (Compound Number 7 of Table 3)

4-Methanesulphonylphenylmethyl isocyanate (99 mg) in TBF (10 ml) was added to 4-N-ethyl-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-(ethanesulphonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidine (200 mg) and the mixture -was allowed to stand at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was poured on to a 5 g SCX cartridge and was eluted with dichloromethane (3×10 ml), methanol (3×10 ml) and methanolic ammonia (1M, 3×10 ml). The methanolic ammonia washings were evaporated and the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (20 ml) and isocyanate resin (200 mg) was added. The mixture was stirred for 16 hours, filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The residue obtained was chromatographed on a Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate-25% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound, yield 37 mg. MS (MH⁺) 633.

4-N-ethyl-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-(ethanesulphonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidine

A mixture of N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-(ethanesulphonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester (5 g) and 10% Palladium on carbon (2 g) in ethanol (200 ml) was hydrogenated under a hydrogen filled balloon. The catalyst was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give the title compound, yield 2.78 g.

N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-ethanesulphonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester

Ethanesulphonyl chloride (2.3 g) was added to a solution of N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{piperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester di-hydrochloride (8.5 g) and triethylamine (4.8 g) in dichloromethane (200 ml) maintained at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with 2M NaOH (2×100 ml), dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on a Bond-Elut column eluted with a solvent gradient (ethyl acetate—20% methanol/ethyl acetate) to give the title compound, yield 5 g. NMR (DMSOd6): 1 (t, 3H) 1.1 (t, 3H) 1.3–3 (m, 14H) 2.2 (m, 1H) 2.55–2.9 (m, 5H) 2.95 (q, 2H) 3.1(q, 2H) 3.4–3.7 (m, 3H) 5.05 (s, 2H) 7.1–7.4 (m, 10H). MS (MH⁺) 556.

N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{piperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester di-hydrochloride

HCl in dioxan (50 ml of 4M) was added to N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-tert-butyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester (26 g) at 0° C. the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with diethyl ether (200 ml) and the precipitated solid di-hydrochloride salt was filtered and dried (hygroscopic). Yield 17 g. MS (MH⁺) 464.

N-ethyl-N-[1-(3-phenyl)-3-{1-tert-butyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propyl}piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid benzyl ester

A solution of 3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)propionaldehyde (7.8 g) [prepared following the method described in Example 11] in dichloromethane (200 ml) was added to a mixture of N-ethyl-N-piperidinylcarbamic acid benzyl ester hydrochloride (7.4 g) (CAS No 220395-87-9) and sodium acetate (2.17 g) in ethanol (50 ml) and stirred for 30 minutes. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (5.2 g) was added in small portions over 15 minutes and stirring was continued for 2 hours. Aqueous NaOH (2M, 200 ml) was added dropwise, the dichloromethane layer was collected and washed with 2M NaOH (2×100 ml), dried and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound, yield 26 g. NMR (DMSOd6): 1 (t, 3H) 1.35 (s, 9H) 1.4–2 (m, 14H) 2.3(m, 2H) 2.6–2.7 (m, 4H) 3.15 (q, 2H) 3.4–4 (m, 3H) 5.05 (s, 2H) 7.1–7.2 (m, 10H). MS (MH⁺) 563. 4-methanesulphonylphenylmethyl isocyanate

Diphenylphosphoryl azide (260 mg) was added to a mixture of 4-methanesulphonylphenylacetic acid (200 mg) and triethylamine (191 mg) in THF (20 ml) and the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours the reaction mixture was cooled and used directly for the next stage.

Method A

N-[1-(3-Phenyl-3-chloropropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethylmethanesulfonylphenylacetamide

-   Step 1: Preparation of     N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-oxopropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide

To a solution of N-(4-piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (Method B; 3.24 g, 10 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added potassium carbonate (2.76 g, 20 mmol) followed by 3-chloropropiophenone (1.85 g, 11 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in DCM and the resulting solution washed with water (4×10 mL) and brine (10 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the crude product which was purified by eluting through a 50 g Bond Elut with 10% methanol in ethyl acetate to afford the sub-titled compound (2.4 g, 53%); NMR (CDCl₃): 1.1 (t, 1H), 1.2 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m, 6H), 2.2 (m, 1H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.0 (m, 5H), 3.2 (m, 2H), 3.3 (m, 2H), 3.8 (m, 2H), 7.4 (m, 5H), 7.9 (m, 4H); MS: 457.

-   Step 2: Preparation of     N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide

To a solution of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-oxopropylpiperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (912 mg, 2 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) at 0° C. was added sodium borohydride (76 mg, 2 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in DCM and the resulting solution washed with water (2×5 mL) and brine (5 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the sub-titled compound (812 mg, 87%); NMR (CDCl₃): 1.1 (t, 1H), 1.2 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m, 8H), 2.0 (m, 1H), 2.2 (m, 1H) 2.6 (m, 2H), 3.0 (s,3H), 3.2 (m, 2 H), 3.3 (m, 2H), 3.8 (m, 2H), 4.9 (d, 1H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H); MS: 459.

-   Step 3: Preparation of the title compound

To a mixture of N-[1-(3-phenyl-3-hydroxypropyl)-piperidinyl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide (400 mg, 0.87 mmol) and triethylamine (0.24 mL, 1.04 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) at 0° C. was added methane sulfonyl chloride (67 μL, 0.87 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. then evaporated. The residue was purified by eluting through a 20 g Bond Elut to give the title compound (180 mg, 44%); NMR (CDCl₃): 1.1 (t, 1H), 1.2 (m, 2H), 1.6 (m, 7H), 2.2 (m, 2H), 2.4 (m, 2H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.0 (s, 3H), 3.3 (m, 2H), 3.8 (m, 2H), 5.0 (m, 1H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H); MS: 477.

Method B

-   N-(4-Piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide -   Step 1: Preparation of 1-phenylmethyl-4-ethylaminopiperidine     dihydrochloride

To a solution of 1-phenylmethyl-4-piperidone (25.0 g, 132 mmol) in THF (250 mL) was added ethylamine hydrochloride (12.0 g, 147 mol) and methanol (50 mL) and the resulting mixture stirred at room temperature for 10 min. Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (40 g, 189 mmol) was added portionwise and the resulting mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 h. 2M Sodium hydroxide solution (250 mL) was added and the resulting mixture extracted with diethyl ether. The organic extracts were dried (K₂CO₃) and evaporated to give 1-phenylmethyl-4-ethylaminopiperidine as an oil. This was dissolved in ethanol (500 mL) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (20 mL) was added. The resulting crystals were collected, washed with diethyl ether and dried giving the sub-titled compound as a solid (38 g); NMR: (CDCl₃): 1.10 (t, 3H), 1.40 (m, 2H), 1.83 (m, 2H), 2.02 (m, 2H), 2.65 (q, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 3.50 (s, 2H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 7.2–7.4 (m, 5H); MS: 219 (MH+).

-   Step 2: Preparation of     N-(1-Phenylmethyl-4-piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenylacetamide

To a solution of 1-phenylmethyl-4-ethylaminopiperidine dihydrochloride (32.0 g, 110 mmol) in DCM (500 mL) was added N,N-diisopropylethylamine (60 mL) with stirring to ensure complete dissolution. 4-Methanesulfonylphenylacetic acid (25.0 g, 117 mmol), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (2.0 g) and dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (25.0 g, 121 mmol) were added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 h. The precipitate was removed by filtration and the resulting solution was washed successively with 2N aqueous HCl, water and 1N aqueous NaOH, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent 10% MeOH/ethyl acetate) to afford the sub-titled compound (35 g, 76%); NMR: 1.00 and 1.14 (t, 3H), 1.45 and 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.95 (br m, 2H), 2.80 (br m, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 3.20 and 3.33 (q, 2H), 3.45 (s,2H), 3.80 and 3.87 (s, 2H), 3.70 and 4.10 (m, 1H), 7.2–7.3 (m, 5H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.82 (m, 2H); MS: 415 (MH+).

-   Step 3: Preparation of the title compound

To a solution of N-(1-phenylmethyl-4-piperidinyl)-N-ethyl-4-methanesulfonylphenyl-acetamide (34 g, 82 mmol) in ethanol (600 mL) was added ammonium formate (40 g). The mixture was purged with argon and 30% Pd on carbon (4.2 g) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 4 h, then allowed to cool and filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filtrate was evaporated to give a thick oil which solidified on standing to yield the title compound (24.9 g, 94%); NMR: 1.02 and 1.15 (t, 3H), 1.4–1.6 (brm, 4H), 2.45 (m, 2H), 2.93 (br m, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 3.20 and 3.32 (q, 2H), 3.72 and 4.18 (m, 1H), 3.80 and 3.87 (s, 2H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.85 (m, 2H); MS: 325 (MH+).

-   Method C

3-Phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)propionaldehyde

-   Step 1: Preparation of 1-tert-butylcarbonyloxy-4-benzoylpiperidine

To a solution of 4-benzoylpiperidine (6 g, 26.5 mmol) in 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (26.5 mL) was added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (5.79 g, 26.5 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The solid product was isolated by filtration and dried under vacuum at 40° C. giving the sub-titled compound (7 g); NMR: 1.3–1.4 (m, 11H) 1.7 (m, 2H) 2.9 (m, 2H) 3.6 (m, 1H) 3.95 (m, 2H) 7.5–7.6 (m, 3H) 7.95 (d, 2H).

-   Step 2: Preparation of ethyl     3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)acrylate

To a solution of triethylphosphonoacetate (6.2 g, 27 mmol) in THF (100 mL) at 0° C. was added lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (32.5 mL, 1M, 32.5 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. 1-tert-Butylcarbonyloxy-4-benzoylpiperidine (7 g, 25 mmol) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. The mixture was evaporated and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 mL). The solution was washed with 2M hydrochloric acid (2×100 mL), dried and evaporated giving the sub-titled compound.

-   Step 3: Preparation of ethyl     3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)propionoate

Ethyl 3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)acrylate (˜25 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (200 mL) and the solution purged with argon. 20% Palladium hydroxide (2 g) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature under an atmosphere of hydrogen (balloon) for 72 h. The mixture was purged with argon, filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The crude product was purified by silica gel chromatography (eluent: isohexane then 35% ethyl acetate in isohexane) to give the sub-titled compound (5.3 g).

-   Step 4: Preparation of     3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperdin-4-yl)propan-1-ol

To a solution of ethyl 3-phenyl-3-(1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)propionoate (5.3 g, 14.6 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added lithium aluminium hydride (14.6 mL, 1M, 14.6 mmol) dropwise over 20 min. The resulting mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h. 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (20 mL) was added dropwise. The mixture was filtered through Celite®, washing with ethyl acetate (3×25 mL). The filtrate and washings were combined and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL) and the resulting solution washed with water (3×50 mL), dried and evaporated to give the sub-titled compound (4.6 g); NMR: 0.9–1 (m, 2H) 1.25 (m, 1H) 1.35 (s, 9H) 1.5–2 (m, 5H) 2.6 (m, 2H) 3.1 (m, 2H) 3.8-4 (m, 2H) 4.2 (t, 1H).

-   Step 5: Preparation of the title compound

To a solution of 3-phenyl-3-(4–1-tert-butylcarbonyloxypiperidin-4-yl)propan-1-ol (4.6 g, 14.4 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was added Dess-Martin periodinane (6.1 g, 14.6 mmol) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The mixture was washed with 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide (3×50 mL), dried and evaporated to give the title compound.

Method D

N-(tert-butoxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

To a solution of 4-methylsulfonylphenylacetic acid (16.1 g) in toluene (200 ml) under argon was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (16.2 ml) and triethylamine (10.4 ml). The mixture was heated at 90° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to cool. The tert-butyl-1-oxo-4-aminoethyl-piperidine [CAS 264905-39-7] (17.10 g) in toluene (100 ml) was added and the mixture stirred for 18 hours and then partitioned with EtOAc/H₂O (500 ml/400 ml), filtered and the organic layer separated and washed with sat. NaHCO₃ solution. (2×300 ml), brine (300 ml), dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated. The resulting brown oil was purified on silica using a gradient elution of 0 to 3% MeOH in EtOAc to give the title compound as a yellow solid (7.10 g); NMR: (DMSO): 1.4 (t, 3H), 1.40 (s, 9H), 1.52 (m, 4H), 2;73 (m, 2H), 3.15 (m, 5H), 4.02 (m, 3H), 4.32 (d, 2H), 6.89 (t, 1H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.87 (d, 2H). MS 340 (MH⁺-Boc)

N-(piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

The piperidine (6.84 g) was dissolved in DCM (39 ml) and TFA (39 ml) was added slowly. The mixture was allowed to stand for 40 minutes and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 2M NaOH and extracted with DCM (3×150 ml) and the extracts dried over MgSO₄, filtered and evaporated to give the title compound as a yellow solid (5.00 g); NMR: (DMSO): 1.05 (t, 3H), 1.41 (m,4H), 2.42 (m, 2H), 2.96 (d, 2H), 3.20 (m, 5H), 3.90 (quint, 1H), 4.29 (d, 2H), 6.84 (t, 1H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.85 (d, 2H), MS 340 (MH⁺).

Method E

N-[1-(3-[3,4-di-fluorophenyl]-3-hydroxypropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

A solution of sodium borohydride (7.7 mg) in ethanol (1 ml) was added to a solution of N-[1-(3-[3,4-difluorophenyl]-3-ketopropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (0.25 g) in ethanol (3.2 ml) at 0° C. under argon and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature over 20 hours. The reaction was quenched with brine, extracted three times with ether and the combined extracts dried. The filtrate was then concentrated to a clear oil, yield 0.21 g. MS (MH⁺) 495.

N-[1-(3-[3,4-difluorophenyl]-3-ketopropyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide

DBU was added to a solution of piperidindyl]-N-ethyl-4-methanesulphonylphenylacetamide (CAS number 374725-04–9) (320 mg) and 3,4-difluorophenylvinyl ketone (654 mg) in dicholoromethane (9 ml) under argon and the reaction mixture stirred for 36 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and purified using flash column chromatography on silica eluting with a solvent gradient (methanol 10–15%, methanol in dicholormethane), yield 250 mg, MH+ 493.

3,4-difluorophenyl vinyl ketone

Dess martin periodinane (3.18 g) was added to a solution of 3,4-difluorovinyl alcohol (CAS number 149946-84–9) (1.18 g) in dicholoromethane (22 ml) at 0° C. under argon and the reaction mixture allowed to stir for 1 hour. The mixture was put directly on to a column for purification via flash column chromatography eluting with a gradient (ethyl acetate—10%, ethyl acetate and isohexane) yield 654 mg. NMR (CDCl₃):6.0 (d, 1H), 6.50 (d, 1H), 7.10 (dd, 1H), 7.30 (11H), 7.80 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 15

The ability of compounds to inhibit the binding of RANTES was assessed by an in vitro radioligand binding assay. Membranes were prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells which expressed the recombinant human CCR5 receptor. These membranes were incubated with 0.1 nM iodinated RANTES, scintillation proximity beads and various concentrations of the compounds of the invention in 96-well plates. The amount of iodinated RANTES bound to the receptor was determined by scintillation counting. Competition curves were obtained for compounds and the concentration of compound which displaced 50% of bound iodinated RANTES was calculated (IC₅₀). Preferred compounds of formula (I) have an IC₅₀ of less than 50 μM.

EXAMPLE 16

The ability of compounds to inhibit the binding of MIP-1α was assessed by an in vitro radioligand binding assay. Membranes were prepared from Chinese hamster ovary cells which expressed the recombinant human CCR5 receptor. These membranes were incubated with 0.1 nM iodinated MIP-1α, scintillation proximity beads and various concentrations of the compounds of the invention in 96-well plates. The amount of iodinated MMP-1α bound to the receptor was determined by scintillation counting. Competition curves were obtained for compounds and the concentration of compound which displaced 50% of bound iodinated MIP-1α was calculated (IC₅₀). Preferred compounds of formula (I) have an IC₅₀ of less than 50 μM.

Results from this test for certain compounds of the invention are presented in Table VII. In Table VII the results are presented as Pic50 values. A Pic50 value is the negative log (to base 10) of the IC₅₀ results, so an IC50 of 1 μM (that is 1×10⁻⁶ M) gives a Pic50 of 6. If a compound was tested more than once then the data below is an average of the probative tests results.

TABLE VII Compound No. Table No Pic50 4 I 7.84 6 I 6.44 7 I 8.0 9 I 6.51 12 I 6.47 18 I 8.05 24 I 8.78 27 I 8.9 34 I 7.23 37 I 7.84 42 I 9.2 45 I 8.3 65 I 8.37 69 I 8.85 99 I 8.2 142 I 8.63 15 II 8.25 18 II 8.46 3 III 8.25 47 III 8.23 

1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein L is CH or N; M is CH or N; provided that L and M are not both CH; and provided that L and M are not both N; R¹ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}, S(O)₂R⁶, S(O)₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, C(O)R⁷, C(O)₂(C₁₋₆ alkyl), C(O)₂(phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)) or C(O)NHR⁷; and when M is CH R¹ can also be NHS(O)₂R⁶, NHS(O)₂NHR⁷, NHC(O)R⁷ or NHC(O)NHR⁷; R² is phenyl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(n)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), nitro, cyano or CF₃; R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, allyl or cyclopropyl; R⁵ is phenyl, heteroaryl, phenylNH, heteroarylNH, phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl rings of R⁵ are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; k, m and n are, independently, 0, 1 or 2; R⁶ is C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, pyranyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}; R⁷ is hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl [optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, phenyl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {which itself optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}], C₃₋₇ cycloalkyl, pyranyl, phenyl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, OCF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)} or heteroaryl {optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, cyano, nitro, CF₃, (C₁₋₄ alkyl)C(O)NH, S(O)₂NH₂, C₁₋₄ alkylthio, S(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl)}; R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl); R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl or phenyl (wherein the phenyl ring is optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(m)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NH₂, S(O)₂NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), S(O)₂N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; provided that when R¹ is hydrogen or unsubstituted alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, L is CH and M is N, then the phenyl or heteroaryl part of R⁵ is substituted by one of: S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃, and optionally further substituted by one or more of halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein L is CH.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein M is N.
 4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R¹ is phenyl (optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl), S(O)₂phenyl (optionally substituted by halo, cyano, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃, OCF₃, S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl) or S(O)₂(C₁₋₄ fluoroalkyl)), benzyl (optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), benzoyl (optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), C(O)NHphenyl (optionally substituted by halo, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, CF₃ or OCF₃), S(O)₂thiophenyl, CH₂pyridinyl, CH₂quinolinyl or CH₂thiazolyl.
 5. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R² is phenyl optionally substituted by halo.
 6. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R³ is hydrogen or methyl.
 7. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R⁴ is ethyl.
 8. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R⁵ is phenyl(C₁₋₂)alkyl, phenyl(C₁₋₂ alkyl)NH, phenyl, heteroaryl or heteroaryl(C₁₋₂)alkyl; wherein the phenyl and heteroaryl rings are optionally substituted by halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, S(O)_(k)C₁₋₄ alkyl, S(O)₂NR⁸R⁹, NHS(O)₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NH₂, NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, NHC(O)NH₂, C(O)NH₂, C(O)NH(C₁₋₄ alkyl), NHC(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CO₂H, CO₂(C₁₋₄ alkyl), C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl), CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂F, CH₂CF₃ or OCF₃; and R⁸ and R⁹ are, independently, hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, or together with a nitrogen or oxygen atom, may join to form a 5- or 6-membered ring which is optionally substituted with C₁₋₄ alkyl, C(O)H or C(O)(C₁₋₄ alkyl); and k is 0, 1 or
 2. 9. A process for preparing of a compound as claimed in claim 1 comprising: i. where L is N, reacting a compound of formula (II):

 with a compound of formula (III):

 in the presence of sodium iodide and a suitable base, in a suitable solvent; ii. where L is CH, reacting a compound of formula (IV):

 with: a) an acid of formula R¹CO₂H in the presence of a suitable coupling agent in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent; b) an acid chloride of formula R¹C(O)Cl or sulphonyl chloride of formula R¹S(O)₂Cl, in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent; or, c) an aldehyde of formula R¹CHO in the presence of NaBH(OAc)₃ (wherein Ac is C(O)CH₃) and acetic acid, in a suitable solvent; iii. coupling a compound of formula (V):

 with: a) an acid of formula R⁵CO₂H in the presence of a suitable coupling agent in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent; or, b) an acid chloride of formula R⁵C(O)Cl, in the presence of a suitable base in a suitable solvent.
 10. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound as claimed in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.
 11. An intermediate of formula (V):

wherein L, M, R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are as defined in claim
 1. 